Historical Marker

Flour Bluff Independent School District

Historical marker location:
617 Purdue St., Corpus Christi, Texas
( Marker will be at the Early Childhood Center, address given above.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

FLOUR BLUFF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRIES MERGED WITH RANCHING AND THE NAVAL AIR STATION IN CORPUS CHRISTI TO CREATE A NEED FOR A NEW SCHOOL. THE FIRST BUILDING WAS OPENED IN 1892 IN BRIGHTON, WHICH LATER BECAME FLOUR BLUFF. AFTER THE 1916 HURRICANE DESTROYED PART OF THE BUILDING, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DECIDED TO USE STUDENT LABOR TO REBUILD THE SCHOOL FARTHER INLAND. IN 1937, THE BOOM OF OIL AND GAS BROUGHT FAMILIES TO THE FLOUR BLUFF COMMUNITY. A BRICK BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED WITH THE HELP OF HUMBLE OIL TO HOUSE THE INCREASE OF STUDENTS. WWII BROUGHT THE NAVY, AND IN 1941, A NEW 19-ROOM JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL WAS BUILT ALONG WITH A VOCATIONAL CENTER FOR BOYS CALLED THE “LABORATORY OF INDUSTRY.” THE CENTER TRAINED THE STUDENTS TO WORK AT THE NAVAL STATION TRAINING STATION PLANT.

AFTER THE WAR ENDED AND A NEW NEED FOR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AROSE, THE RESIDENTS OF FLOUR BLUFF VOTED TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL. SUPERINTENDENT ERNEST J. WRANOSKY WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES AND CREATING YEARLY PROJECTS WHICH UTILIZED LOCAL AND STUDENT LABOR. HIS PHILOSOPHY WAS TO “ADVANCE AND EQUALIZE, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE OPPORTUNITIES OF ALL STUDENTS REGARDLESS OF THE MENTAL ABILITIES AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC STATUS.” HE STRIVED TO SET HIS EDUCATION STANDARDS HIGHER THAN STATE MANDATES. HIS CURRICULUM INCLUDED AUTO MECHANICS AND BUILDING TRADES AMONG OTHERS. FLOUR BLUFF ISD TOOK AN ANNUAL FIELD TRIP TO THE H.E. BUTT FOUNDATION CAMP WHICH STILL OCCURS TODAY. MILITARY TRAINING AND AN EVACUATION PLAN FOR THE DISTRICT WAS CREATED DURING THE COLD WAR. SINCE ITS CREATION 111 YEARS AGO, FLOUR BLUFF ISD WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND THE STANDARD OF EDUCATION AND STROVE FOR EXCELLENCE.

(2012)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

education
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Nueces County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area first saw human habitation thousands of years ago, with Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples inhabiting the region. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for the Spanish crown. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first permanent settlements were established.

In 1828, the Mexican government granted land to Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney, an American entrepreneur, who founded the trading post of Kinney's Trading Post near the Nueces River. This marked the beginning of Anglo settlement in the area. Nueces County was officially established in 1846, following the Texas Revolution and subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States.

Throughout the 19th century, Nueces County played a significant role in Texas' development. The town of Corpus Christi, which served as the county seat, became an important regional trade center due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The county flourished as a shipping hub for livestock, cotton, and other agricultural goods.

The county's history was greatly influenced by its participation in several military conflicts. During the American Civil War, Corpus Christi served as a center for Confederate forces, and the county witnessed both Union and Confederate occupation. Additionally, the county played an important role during World War II, with Corpus Christi becoming a major training center for Navy pilots.

In recent times, Nueces County has continued to grow and evolve. The county's economy has diversified, with tourism, oil and gas, and the military being major contributors. The region boasts numerous attractions, including beautiful coastal beaches, cultural sites, and a vibrant culinary scene. Today, Nueces County remains an important and thriving part of Texas' history and economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Nueces County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Nueces County is established as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state of the United States, and Nueces County remains part of the state.
  • 1848 - The county seat is established in Corpus Christi.
  • 1850 - The population of Nueces County reaches 756 residents.
  • 1852 - The Corpus Christi Cathedral is constructed, becoming a significant landmark in the county.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Nueces County, leading to increased economic development and population growth.
  • 1875 - The Nueces County Courthouse, built in the Renaissance Revival style, is completed.
  • 1900 - A devastating hurricane strikes the county, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1914 - The Port of Corpus Christi is established, becoming a major hub for trade and industry.
  • 1931 - The Nueces County Courthouse is expanded and remodeled to its current appearance.
  • 1940 - Nueces County experiences a population boom, with the county's residents totaling over 101,000.
  • 1987 - Hurricane Gilbert causes widespread destruction in Nueces County and the surrounding areas.
  • Present - Nueces County continues to be a thriving center for commerce, industry, and tourism.